St John’s journey from world-class player to popular star of Saint and Greavsie
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The world of football has lost another colossus following the sad death of Ian St John at the age of 82.
To those of a more modern age, St John might be best remembered for going on to carve out a successful TV career following his retirement from the game.
He teamed up with his old pal Jimmy Greaves to front the hugely popular 'Saint and Greavsie' show. It ran until 1992 and became essential viewing.
But this shouldn't detract from the fact that St John, first and foremost, was a seriously good footballer who contributed a huge amount to the sport.
The man former Liverpool boss Bill Shankly described as "his first great buy" joined the club from hometown team Motherwell in 1961 for a then record fee of £37,000.
Shankly was so persuasive he talked St John into leaving his new baby daughter Besty with his mother-in-law, so he could travel south to start his new life in Liverpool.
St John, together with fellow Scots Shankly and Ronnie Yeats, went on to lift Liverpool out of the doldrums, create a dynasty and become part of the DNA that helped make the club one of the biggest in the world.
An empire was created and St John even helped decide it would be a red one after suggesting to Shankly what colours Liverpool should play in.
St John played 425 games for the Merseysiders during a decade of glittering service, scoring 118 goals, including the winning one in extra time to help Liverpool beat Leeds at Wembley in 1965 to seal their first ever FA Cup triumph.
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He won two top-flight titles, earned 21 Scotland caps and managed Motherwell and Portsmouth after hanging up his boots.
His relationship with Shankly soured in the end, which he talked about graphically in his book and in 1974 he was interviewed for the Leeds job when Don Revie left Elland Road, but missed out to Brian Clough.
The tough-as-teak striker also had short playing spells with South African sides Hellenic and Cape Town City either side of a season with Coventry City, before ending his playing days at Tranmere Rovers.
Upon leaving the sporting stage he became a star of the screen too, but he will always be synonymous with his glory days at Anfield.
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He was a man of warmth, kindness and sharp humour who built-up a priceless knowledge of the game and was always willing to share it.
In short, he had a pivotal role in helping Liverpool become the club they are today.
He will be sorely missed.
READ MORE:Ian St John tributes led by Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher after death at 82
READ MORE:Saint and Greavsie's best moments from Donald Trump cup draw to Mike Tyson chat
- Liverpool FC
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